Newell’s Old Boys president Ignacio Astore believes Lionel Messi wants to leave Inter Miami and return to his boyhood club.
Messi’s current contract with Miami expires at the end of the MLS season although there is a 12-month extension built into the deal.
The 37-year-old is widely expected to stay in South Florida – and help the US build up to their hosting of the World Cup next summer – but until it is announced speculation will continue as to where Messi will play in 2026.
Newell’s have thrown their hat into the ring with Astore telling TyC Sports: “It’s something he has to decide.
”I haven’t spoken to the player. I don’t think it’s appropriate to speak to him because it would put him in an awkward position. Maybe he has a contract, maybe he feels it’s not the right time, maybe he has other family commitments… I know the appreciation he has for the institution and how much he wants to come.”
𝟮𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 together ♾ pic.twitter.com/N3MUGyJCSA
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) June 2, 2025
AFA wants Messi to return as well
Messi was born and grew up in Rosario, where Newell’s are based, before moving to Barcelona in 2000.
He has spoken previously about wanting to end his career in his homeland and there is a great deal of will from the country’s football association to make it happen with AFA president Claudio Tapia also eager to see arguably the greatest player of all time return.
Astore added to Radio Con Vos: “He [Tapia] is working permanently on this. Messi is missing a Copa Argentina, a Copa Sudamericana, and a Libertadores, because he has all the other titles. It’s his decision.”
If he were to return he would line up against former international team-mate, and close friend, Angel Di Maria who recently joined Rosario Central.
Astore said: “It would be glorious if both Di María and Lionel Messi play in the city, so that we can show that the city can live in peace with the two idols of Argentine soccer. I hope that happens, I don’t see it as dramatic as most see it. We can live in peace.”
